Those trained in art therapy learn the differences in treatment between children and adults.
Typically, a Ph.D. in art therapy can be earned by completing all the necessary courses outlined by the university offering the art therapy program. To be accepted into a doctoral program, there is usually a course prerequisite and application process that every candidate must go through before being admitted to pursue a degree. Each institution has its own set of guidelines for people seeking a degree, but there are also standards set by national organizations that must be met to become certified as an art therapist.
You may need to take the GRE to gain admission to an art therapy doctoral program.
Before any doctorate can be attempted, a standard path must usually be followed, beginning with a bachelor’s degree, which is usually completed in four years. Institutions in 15 states, including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and New York, offer art therapy degree programs. However, it is not always necessary to receive a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy to be admitted to a Doctor of Art Therapy program; Some schools admit students as long as they have taken a certain number of art and psychology classes. Like other bachelor’s programs, general education requirements, such as English and mathematics, are included in the general courses. It can also be helpful for students to participate in internships to gain experience in the field and ensure that it is a profession that appeals to them.
Art therapists can work in a variety of settings.
Once the bachelor’s degree is earned, the next step is usually to complete a master’s program. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Art Therapy Credentialing Board (ATCB) are authorities in approving doctoral and master’s programs in Art Therapy and in administering exams for certification. Before selecting an institution, it is a good idea to verify that you have passed so that certification can be obtained upon graduation.
An art therapist may choose to work with children.
There are about 30 universities in the United States and Canada that are AATA-approved, and each has its own set of guidelines for admission and completion. Some require candidates to submit results from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The Miller Analogies Test focuses on solving problems using analogies, which is often important to anyone interested in fields related to psychology.
Depending on whether or not all course prerequisites were completed before entering the master’s program, and how much time can be devoted to school, it can take anywhere from one to four years to complete a doctorate in art therapy. Students enrolled in graduate art therapy classes can generally expect to spend a great deal of time observing interaction with patients and interacting with patients themselves. Emphasis is also placed on ethics, advice and the differences in treatment between children and adults. Most master’s degree programs require a thesis or portfolio for graduation, and art therapy is no exception.
While an art therapist career is possible with just a master’s degree, continuing on to a doctoral or doctoral program in art therapy is also an option. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or MAT scores are typically required along with a master’s degree, experience in the related field, and certification to be considered a doctoral candidate. The number of credits required to become a medical doctor varies depending on the number of courses previously completed and the number of credits required by the institution, which typically ranges from 40 to 50 credit hours.